Looking at a 1976 Eldorado and have a few questions

[Larry Savino]

So I am in the market for a Clean 66 to 1984 Cadillac convertible .

I found a nice 1976 I like ,but its leaking some fluid from the drivers  side behind the front wheel , looks thin like tranny fluid and I cant  find source. I found where the tranny lines connect to trans and that's not it . Looked at cv joints and they look fine. I know you cant see it from your computer desk but are there know flaws  that cause a leak . Just trying to figure out if this is a big problem or a simple home mechanic seal I can  fix.

Needs carpets Faded, along with the carpet on doors and rear of seats 
Back passenger window switch no good but with driver door switch window will go down no problem but needs a hand going back up.and have some real odd work scratches on the chrome, Almost like some was sawing on it with a hack saw.

Stumbles after a couple of minutes of driving ,falls flat on its face so I think its a carburetor rebuild .

Head lamps falling out (are those plastic  clips still around GM used to used for the adjusters )

power antena not going up

A/c blowing cold but not very forceful ,Not like a modern car that will knock your hat off ,is this normal for this car

they just washed it and I found water in the back spot behind the seat where the speakers are, Back window must leak.

Top goes up and down but one side  seams to move quicker and the top doesn't like to fold in place on its own Needs a little tucking here and there.

dirty torn hood liner (are these available after market)

Seams like a solid car at under 30,000 miles does any of the above items sound like a big problem .

I was also surprised it seamed like the car had more rattles in it then I expected but I also know its a 45 year old car   

And let me tell you I was nervous opening hood as the weight was tremendous till the springs kicked in ,

[76eldo]

Unless it's a $2000 car I'd advise you to keep looking.
You can get a stunning example for $12,000 to $15,000. These cars are a bargain in the collector car world. The one you are describing needs a lot of sorting out and why bother when there are more out there.
You mention a big range of cars going from 66-84. The 76 Eldo is one of my favorites and they are great cars but I'd try to find one that doesn't need so much right off the bat.

The fluid dripping may be brake or power steering fluid coming from the hydro boost unit around the area of the master cylinder.

[bcroe]

The TH425 trans used in the big FWD cars is notorious for
leaking at the chain cover at its back.  The fix is not cheap,
likely trans must be removed to access.  Bruce Roe

[mrmatthew]

A/c blowing cold but not very forceful ,Not like a modern car that will knock your hat off ,is this normal for this car

My '76 blows the same seemingly low air force on high & was wondering the same. If this is normal is there a kit or modification to upgrade to a more forceful air flow ?

[bcroe]

My '76 blows the same seemingly low air force on high & was wondering the same. If this is normal is there a kit or modification to upgrade to a more forceful air flow?

The first thing to check, is if you have the factory blower motor. 
These get replaced when they squeak (really just need oil, another
subject).  I found replacements that seemed to fit, in fact were
not nearly as powerful as the original; after that I got my
replacements from the junk yard and made physical arrangements
to keep them oiled. 

Another thing done in the era, was to partly block the air stream,
apparently only for heat, I think to smooth out the transition
between heat and cold.  This I removed so the heater could do
its best for me in winter.  Bruce Roe

[V63]

There is also that 3 prong plastic fuse at the evaporator box that's for high speed blower function? When they fail you lose high speed function.

[Big Fins]

By everything that you mentioned, you are looking at a 130,000 mile car. Like 76Eldo said, keep looking. The money that you are going to dump into this car will by you something pretty nice that you can drive now, not fix it for a year first. Be patient. The right car is out there if you look hard enough.

[76eldo]

Pretty much every car I've ever sold was functioning 100 percent except for possibly the AC system.
There are lots of 76 Eldorado convertibles for sale pretty much all the time.
Be selective and buy one that's running and looking good.

"Just needs fillers" that's $2000.00
"Just needs Freon"  that's $1500.00
"Ran well when parked"  that's code for we don't know what's wrong with it.
"Top needs a food cleaning" means needs a top
"Needs a tune up"  means Runs like crap

Look at and drive it in person or get a qualified person to inspect it in person.
Must be driven for at least  20 minutes and get a look at the title and the vin plate on the left dash area through the windshield to check that the numbers match.
Look carefully for rust and rot.

Buying the best one you can find will save you money.
Buying one that needs a lot of little stuff will be more expensive.

Good luck !

[bcroe]

The plan here is pretty much the opposite of used car suggestions. 

Never buy a convertible.  so many issues avoided

buy the nicest body you can find. 

mechanical issues are an excuse to lower the price.  I can fix them very cheaply

buy car with bad transmission.  Excuse to lower price, I was going
        to swap out the trans for a switch pitch anyway

ignore tires, exhaust, they must be replaced new, SS

buy a diesel.  Cheap, all the extra duty stuff makes a great cruiser, once
         the diesel is swapped out for a 403, and no emissions testing
     
Bruce Roe

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I agree with all of the forgoing comments.
Especially the suggestion to look for a better
example.

The one you're looking at is a high mileage
car based on all you've told us.  Keep your
eyes open as there are nice Eldorados of this
vintage for sale all of the time.  You can find
a very presentable example for around $25k
and it will likely need just a mild clean-up.

Save yourself the $$ and frustration.  You'll
be money ahead without the headaches.

Mike

[James Landi]

What's your budget for this?  If you can't afford a truly wonderfully running example, then having one that does not fully function, requires transfusions of tranny oil, has a fractonally running a/c (by the way, Cadillacs always had freeze out air conditioning) -- this one  may be all that you can afford.  But even if you're willing to compromise, will you be happy with a deeply flawed Cadillac or will this purchase cause you to be frustrated and regretful.  A high mileage one like this one may keep running but other mechanical issues are in its future--- timing chain/water pump service for example...  You're at an important fork in the road, and you;ve diagnosed many warning signals--- my advice--- re read all of the above--- respecfully, James

[wrefakis]

reminds me of the ones i had in 1978 with 30k miles

[Larry Savino]

WOW I am surprised by the remarks.

Just a quick note I am in my fifties and been rebuilding, repairing every thing that can run on gas or diesel since I can remember. That being said I am a Skilled mechanic. Most of the observations I noted would be over looked by most back yard mechanics.

I do appreciate all of the advise, but I may of gave the impression this car is junk or I am on a shoe string budget , Neither is the case 

Thank you again ,

I  have opened up my search to include 1965/66/67/68 convertibles also . This is my Old Deville . I purchased this green and did a color change to black ,also added bucket seats and a console

[bcroe]

Tires, brakes, water pump, timing chain...  those are just standard
maintenance.  If you are bothered by those, cars are the wrong hobby.
Include doing it yourself, those costs are very modest. 
Bruce Roe

[James Landi]

Larry,

I'm certain I speak for others who have read far too many horror stories of enthusiasts who could detect fault but couldn't or didn't want to swing a wrench. No disrespect intended, most folks who are new to the club don't have a great deal of mechanical know how.   So you're asking for "what elses."  As was stated above, add those items to your list of "might as wells."  The. a/c issues many be an electrical problem OR, as someone noted, old bearings in the blower. Suggest that you post that problem on this site separately--- great deal of knowledge on these system.  Also, the self leveling air shocks will likely require a creative work around to inflate.  The automatic system is usually dead or about to die  (the electric pump systems of newer generation are far more durable).  A simple work around involves a "tee" between the two shocks and a schader valve to inflate them at the rear bumper. Check carefully for terminal rust, especially on the frame over the rear wheels. A seemingly minor point... the Eldorados as you know, have torsion bsar suspension and the "factory specs" recommend low tire pressures.  I always road my 72, using the factory specs because pumping up to over 30 badly deteriorated the ride.       

[wrefakis]

65-68  vastly better in every way i drove brand new junk 76 chasing mint 65-70 in 76
ran want ad in hemmings paid extra for " no 76 at any price line"